808 hp drag-strip-focused muscle car that NHRA banned before it launched. 2018 model year limited run (3,300 units) became instant legend, then returned as 1,025 hp Demon 170 (2023).
Insane Reveal (April 2017)
Teaser campaign built hype for months. April 11, 2017 New York Auto Show reveal: 808 hp, 2.3sec 0-60, 9.65-second quarter mile (stock). First production car to wheelie from factory.
NHRA Ban Drama
National Hot Rod Association banned Demon from competition (too fast for stock class, required roll cage/parachute). Dodge celebrated ban in marketing (“Too fast for the strip”).
Drag Strip Tech
TransBrake, line lock, torque reserve, after-run chiller, skinny front runners. Demon Crate optional ($1): tools to remove rear seats/front passenger seat, drag radials. Weight reduction obsession.
Allocation Chaos
$85K MSRP, dealers marked up $20K-50K. 3,300 units sold out immediately. Lottery systems, dealer favoritism scandals. Flipped for $150K-200K. “Allocation game” defined launch.
Demon 170 (2023)
Final sendoff: 1,025 hp, 9.0-second quarter mile, $96K, 3,300 units. Last gas Challenger. “Last Call” edition. Pre-sold before reveal. Sealed Challenger legacy.
https://www.dodge.com/demon.html
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2018-dodge-challenger-srt-demon-first-test-review/